A patient who has been receiving diuretic therapy is admitted to ...

[mp14]

A patient who has been receiving diuretic therapy is admitted to the emergency department with a serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L. The nurse should alert the health care provider immediately that the patient is on which medication?
 
  a. Oral digoxin (Lanoxin) 0.25 mg daily
  b. Ibuprofen (Motrin) 400 mg every 6 hours
  c. Metoprolol (Lopressor) 12.5 mg orally daily
  d. Lantus insulin 24 U subcutaneously every evening

Question 2

The long-term care nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of protein supplements for an older resident who has a low serum total protein level. Which assessment finding indicates that the patient's condition has improved?
 
  a. Hematocrit 28
  b. Absence of skin tenting
  c. Decreased peripheral edema
  d. Blood pressure 110/72 mm Hg

[joechoochoy]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Hypokalemia increases the risk for digoxin toxicity, which can cause serious dysrhythmias. The nurse will also need to do more assessment regarding the other medications, but they are not of as much concern with the potassium level.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Edema is caused by low oncotic pressure in individuals with low serum protein levels. The decrease in edema indicates an improvement in the patient's protein status. Good skin turgor is an indicator of fluid balance, not protein status. A low hematocrit could be caused by poor protein intake. Blood pressure does not provide a useful clinical tool for monitoring protein status.